The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics

A burly man with long golden hair strode purposefully across the brick-paved ground.

He wore a strange suit of armor. An upper garment woven from an unknown fabric perfectly accentuated his chiseled physique. Two metal discs of slightly different sizes were embedded in it. The man's top had no sleeves, his arms covered instead by expertly crafted chainmail.

The lower half of his body was clad in overlapping scale armor, equally exquisite. One couldn't help but wonder if the man was wearing a work of art or a piece of battlefield equipment.

"You're back, Thor!"

"The God of War of Asgard!"

The man was like a natural superstar, welcomed wherever he went. The people around him wore robes reminiscent of ancient times, with many also clad in armor, giving the impression of being in ancient Europe.

Thor's lips curled into a slight smile. Even after hundreds of times, the cheers of his people still invigorated him. Perhaps he was born for this.

Raising his inseparable hammer, the crowd erupted into even greater cheers, a sound that could be heard even in the royal city miles away.

"Still the same as ever." A robust old man stood on the balcony, shaking his head as if disappointed while watching Thor, but the pride in his only remaining eye couldn't be concealed.

However, there seemed to be a hint of worry mixed in with the pride.

"You weren't much different when you were young."

A gentle female voice came from behind him. In all of Asgard, only one person dared to speak to him like that. The old man knew without looking who was standing behind him.

"You've come, Frigga." Odin turned around. The Queen of Asgard, dressed in a simple blue gown, stood behind him, just like when they were children.

Frigga smiled in response to her husband. Although she didn't intentionally put on airs, the grace and elegance she exuded with every smile made it clear that this woman was the embodiment of nobility.

"You're harboring something in your heart that I don't know about."

Although she was smiling, Odin felt an inexplicable sense of threat. The great god who had traversed the Nine Realms shook his head helplessly.

"Something has happened, but there's no need to look at me like that, Frigga. I was just about to tell you."

"Is that so?" Frigga gently covered her mouth with her right hand, feigning surprise. "If the great god's wisdom hasn't faded, I recall you using that excuse thousands of years ago. And then what happened?"

Faced with his beloved, even the great god Odin had to temporarily lower his head, saying, "I went to fight the giants, but I did it for you. They said you were just a pretty face."

"I know," Frigga said with a smile. "That's why I'm here, isn't it?"

Odin paused, finally shaking his head helplessly. He frankly revealed the worries in his heart.

"Something has happened in Midgard, and I want Thor to resolve it."

Frigga didn't interrupt, knowing that if it were just a small matter, the great god who ruled the Nine Realms wouldn't pay attention, let alone send his most valiant son to resolve it.

Odin had more than one son. Balder, Hermod, and Vidar, although not as capable as Thor, each had their strengths and could stand alone. Moreover, they all had time. If it were just an ordinary matter, there would be no need to call back the busy Thor.

"I sensed Tyr's aura," Odin said calmly.

Frigga's pupils contracted sharply, but she quickly recovered. However, the fact that she, the Queen of Asgard who had experienced great storms, lost her composure, even for a brief moment, was enough to prove the seriousness of the matter.

"That's impossible. Tyr is already dead."

"Yes, we all know that. It's a generally accepted fact," Odin said, exhaling a long breath. "But I did sense a vast power from war, and that power comes from Midgard."

"Could it be Ares?" Frigga stepped forward. "Or Athena? Gods of war are a dime a dozen. Could you be mistaken?"

"That power comes from an Asgardian. There's no mistake. I'm not so senile that I can't distinguish these things."

Odin shook his head, denying Frigga's speculation. The latter pondered for a moment before continuing, "However, Tyr indeed didn't go to Valhalla, which you established. We searched the Nine Realms and couldn't find his soul. Maybe he didn't die at all?"

The body remained, but the soul disappeared. This was also a rare occurrence for Asgard, after all, playing with life and souls was an evil act everywhere.

If it was as Frigga speculated, and someone dared to play with the soul of the great god Odin's eldest son, the Asgardians would be outraged if they found out, and it might even trigger a war.

Frigga was equally angry, but as the Queen of Asgard, she couldn't incite Odin to start a war out of personal desire. At this time, she should remain calm and advise Odin not to be blinded by anger.

But Odin didn't show any anger. He was as calm as the lion that Frigga remembered.

"The truth of the matter can only be revealed after Thor investigates."

…

“Heimdall!”

A tall man in heavy armor turned his head. The bull-horned helmet he wore was unusually large, and it was unknown whether it would affect his vision.

"It's Thor." Heimdall laughed and turned around, walking towards Thor. The two strong men soon embraced, their armor clanging together.

"Aren't you maintaining order in the Nine Realms on the front lines? How do you have time to see me, an old bridge guard?"

"Father has given me a new task." Thor smiled and held up a jar the size of a human head. "Asgardian wine. I forgot to bring it last time, so I'm making up for it this time."

"This is more like it." Heimdall laughed and quickly snatched the wine jar, listening to the sound of the wine sloshing against the ceramic. He thought it was the most beautiful music in the world.

"I originally wanted to invite you to enjoy it together, but the God-King has assigned you a task. Unfortunately, I can only enjoy it alone."

Seeing Heimdall's smug smile, Thor could only shake his head helplessly and laugh silently.

"Yes, it's really unfortunate. It looks like I won't get a taste."

Heimdall laughed, then put away the wine jar, along with the smile on his face, and said to Thor seriously.

"Be careful, Thor. The God-King specifically called you back, proving that the other princes can't do this. This shows that this mission may be very dangerous."

Thor also said solemnly: "I know, Heimdall, but Asgardians are not afraid of any danger. My hammer can shatter all obstacles!"